WHY should you be taking these FOODS now? (Preventive and therapeutic nutritional interventions for fighting Viral & Microbial infections )

In addition to basic hygienic practices, proper dietary and lifestyle behaviors are essential for prevention and treatment of respiratory viral diseases, such as COVID-19. Balanced nutrition which can help in maintaining immunity is essential for prevention and management of viral infections.

The most important weapon to fight the deadly viruses & microbes is a “Healthy immune system”.

The possible ways to achieve a healthy immune system are:

1. Introduction of some vitamins, trace elements, nutraceuticals and probiotics

There are several vitamins and trace elements which are essential for the normal functioning of the immune system. Supplementation of these has shown positive impact on enhancing immunity in viral infections. The increased risk of morbidity (the rate of disease within a population) and mortality caused by malnutrition is a result of the increased rate of infections, as well as by delayed recovery.

 A well balanced and varied diet is essential not only to minimize vitamin deficiencies, but also to avoid unnecessary excess consumption or supplementation.

The other TWO factors to help improve immunity are:

2. Vitamin D , Sun, Breathing exercises , improving Oxygen level.

3. Having healthy “Barrier Function”  

Please NOTE:

After washing all fruits, leafy vegetables and greens in fresh water, please  dip  them in a mixture of 1-1/2 teaspoonful of salt & 1-1/2 teaspoonful of good quality turmeric in water ( this is for every 1 kg of the Vegetables / Fruits / Greens) for about 15 min.

Drain, Dry and use them directly.

Vitamin A

A fat-soluble vitamin, is known to play an important role in enhancing immune function. Widely distributed in fruits and vegetables as carotenoids, it  can be taken in COOKED & RAW form as vegetables, juices and salads. ( Beet, Tomato, Pumpkin , fish etc)

Children & Healthy individuals (without morbidities): Daily intake from fruits & vegetables is a MUST.

Elderly population: Extra supplement can be beneficial.

Vitamin D

Another fat-soluble vitamin, it plays a vital role in modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses where vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased susceptibility to acute viral respiratory infections (As per research data).Daily exposure to morning & evening Sun is beneficial . Supplement would be beneficial for individuals with low Vitamin D for young & elderly population.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is a potent antioxidant and has the ability to modulate host immune functions. Daily intake from food is enough for young as well as elderly population. Widely available in almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oils, peanuts & greens. Supplement not suggested.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant and is required for immune potentiation. Widely available in citrus fruits, mangoes, cabbage, spinach, potatoes, guava & guava leaves, daily intake from food is required.

Supplement would be beneficial specially for those with morbidities , low immunity,  elderly population.

Multi-nutrients supplements

Supplementations with various combinations of trace-elements and vitamins have shown beneficial effects on the antiviral immune response.

Zinc

An essential trace element, it plays an important role in growth, development, and the maintenance of immune function .Zinc deficiency has been associated with an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, including viral infections --deficient populations being at increased risk of acquiring infections. Meat, shell fish, legumes, nuts are a good source.

Supplement suggested in elderly or zinc deficient population

Selenium

Another trace element, low selenium status has been associated with an increased risk of mortality, poor immune function while a higher selenium concentration or selenium supplementation has shown antiviral effects. Bananas, legumes, fish offer a good source. Green banana skin is also extremely beneficial.

Copper

Copper plays a crucial role in immunity development. A copper intake was 7.8 mg/day, in comparison to 1.6 mg/day, indicated an improvement in antioxidant status. Spirulina, mushrooms, meat liver, nuts & seeds, dark chocolates are a good source.

Please Note:

Obesity may also be associated with infectious diseases. Very recent clinical findings of patients with COVID-19 shows severity of the disease is independently associated with BMI ≥28 kg.m-2.

Suggestions:

· Consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

· Main meals should contain starchy carbohydrate preferably a wholegrain variety.

· Two to three portions of meat or equivalent (for vegetarians: pulses and other suitable protein rich foods) should be included on a daily basis.

· Taking multi-vitamin-mineral (MVM) supplement for a short period at least during this pandemic many be beneficial. Micronutrient supplementations may be beneficial especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly

· Obesity can be associated with a loss of immune competence. Those with excess body weight (BMI>25 kg m⁻²) should lose at least 5% body weight over a period of 12 weeks to improve their immunity

· Lactobacillus containing probiotics can be supplemented to improve the immunity of the patients with viral infections

Point no. 2 & 3 ( factors to help improve immunity ) would be discussed in detail in the NEXT BLOG ON COVID CARE

#GreenBeautyMovement    #MrilQMagiC  #CoronaVirus   #COVID19     #BREAKING    #CovidSecondWave    #Immunity   #Wellness     #BoostingImmunity

Copyright© information of Maushumi Thakurta, cannot be used or shared without prior written permission.

(Research Reference: PubMed® , SciVerse Scopus®).

                                      Click here:-                            Food for COVID patients and health workers